Black-Eyed Susan vs Camellia

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Camellia

Camellia japonica

Theaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Black-Eyed Susan (Zones 3-9)

Camellia (Zones 7-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Camellia
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Camellia japonica
Family	Asteraceae	Theaceae
Category	flowers	shrubs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained
Height	3'	10'
Spread	1' 6"	6'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Winter-Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow	Red, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Eastern North America	East Asia
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Black-Eyed Susan

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Camellia

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Black-Eyed Susan

✓Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
✓Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
✓Tolerates poor soil and drought once established.

Camellia

✓Protect from morning sun after frost — rapid thawing damages flowers.
✓Mulch to keep roots cool.
✓Don't plant too deep.
✓Prune after flowering if needed.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Black-Eyed Susan if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–9.

Choose Camellia if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 7–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Black-Eyed SusanProfile →View CamelliaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black-Eyed Susan and Camellia grow in the same hardiness zone?

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Camellia grows in zones 7-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

Do Black-Eyed Susan and Camellia have the same sun and water needs?

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Camellia needs part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Camellia?

Camellia grows taller at 10' compared to Black-Eyed Susan at 3'. Camellia spreads 6' while Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6".

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Camellia deer resistant?

Yes, both Black-Eyed Susan and Camellia are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Black-Eyed Susan or Camellia?

Black-Eyed Susan has low maintenance while Camellia has medium maintenance. Black-Eyed Susan may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Camellia
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Camellia japonica
Family	Asteraceae	Theaceae
Category	flowers	shrubs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained
Height	3'	10'
Spread	1' 6"	6'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Winter-Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow	Red, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Eastern North America	East Asia
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Black-Eyed Susan

✓Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
✓Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
✓Tolerates poor soil and drought once established.

Camellia

✓Protect from morning sun after frost — rapid thawing damages flowers.
✓Mulch to keep roots cool.
✓Don't plant too deep.
✓Prune after flowering if needed.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Black-Eyed Susan if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–9.

Choose Camellia if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 7–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black-Eyed Susan and Camellia grow in the same hardiness zone?

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Camellia grows in zones 7-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

Do Black-Eyed Susan and Camellia have the same sun and water needs?

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Camellia needs part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Camellia?

Camellia grows taller at 10' compared to Black-Eyed Susan at 3'. Camellia spreads 6' while Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6".

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Camellia deer resistant?

Yes, both Black-Eyed Susan and Camellia are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Black-Eyed Susan or Camellia?

Black-Eyed Susan has low maintenance while Camellia has medium maintenance. Black-Eyed Susan may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.